Hot 100 2013: Top 5 craft beers from Scotland

The best beers made by small Scottish breweries

The Hot 100 is our list of Scotland’s 100 hottest individuals and groups who’ve made a splash this year, from comic book writers to comedians, artists to actors. If they've contributed to Scotland's cultural landscape in 2013, you'll find them here.

1: Fyne Ales

Long celebrated for its oysters, Loch Fyne in Argyll is becoming equally famous for its beer. Fyne Ales has won a stash of awards since it brewed its first batches of Highlander, Maverick and Piper’s Gold in a disused milking parlour at the head of the loch in 2001.

2: Barney’s Beer

The Summerhall Brewery in the centre of Edinburgh ran from the early 18th century to the outbreak of World War I. In 2012 it was brought back to life as a tiny microbrewery and home to Barney’s Beer, whose ales include a tasty red rye and a zesty, hop-packed pale ale.

3: Black Isle Brewery

‘Save the planet, drink organic’ cry the Black Isle Brewery, and while drinking may not be enough to fend off Armageddon, these homespun ales made from local barley and even a few local hops do have an earthy goodness about them, not least Yellowhammer, the crisp, crunchy breakfast ale.

4: Williams Brothers

From a tiny homebrew shop in Glasgow, Williams Brothers evolved into one of the leading Scottish craft brewers on the back of their popular Fraoch heather ale, launched in the late 1980s. Now based in Alloa, they’ve gone on to brew using seaweed, elderberries and gooseberries, alongside a raft of modern beers.

5: Tempest Brewing Company

In 2010 the Tempest Brewing Company was set up by a chef in the back of a Kelso pub. It’s a great example of the energetic, imaginative small breweries all over Scotland surfing the wave of the craft beer revolution. Their Brave New World IPA, at a vigorous 7%, is hoppy and fruity with an unusual malty amber colour.